At 20:48 14 May 2004, Todd Smith wrote:
I fly for my own challenge and enjoyment. I risk only
myself
and the tow pilot (I also tow for my club).

The airline and military pilots fly a mission for the
benefit of
the organization, using the organization's equippment.

Those pilots are not out for satisfaction, challenge
or enjoyment.

Yes, you could increase safety in soaring by adding
rules, policies
and procedures. You would also reduce the FUN of soaring
so that
nobody actually flys anymore, that would also reduce
the accident rate.

Todd Smith


In its logical extreme, this is quite true. On the
other hand, no one is going to miss out on any fun
by being required and double checked for control hookups.
I'm quite aware of the slippery slope of delegating
responsibilities and thereby abandoning self-reliance.
The launch is hardly an individual concern and I congratulate
FBOs and tow pilots who insist on this.